Roundtable sessions – How the OKC Thunder capitalize on trades to return to prominence
Is there a specific player Presti should target to add to the future core? Why?
Tamberlyn Richardson:
The key is searching for talent with potential tied to the specific competitive window the OKC Thunder are building toward. I like Bodgan Bogdanovic, however, he’s already 27 which probably excludes him.
Caris LeVert (25) and Gary Harris (25) are just at the start of their peak and could be good fits with Gilgeous-Alexander. What the Magic are going to do with Aaron Gordon (just turned 24) is perplexing given their slew of frontcourt talents but he would be another nice piece to the puzzle and age appropriate.
Players like Jamal Murray, Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, Pascal Siakam or Devin Booker are either not the right fit or already out of reach barring Presti giving up more than he wants. Ultimately, Presti’s staff need to do a great job of scouting to find the next Siakam and Jokic, who for what it’s worth were drafted 27th and 41st respectively. Then, combine those efforts with the addition of the right support staff who fit the identity and style of the future OKC Thunder core.
Sounds simple — but it isn’t. The good news is Presti did what no other has prior by drafting three future MVPs in a matter of years. The question is can he do it again?
Rylan Stiles:
Josh Jackson and Andrew Wiggins are interesting pieces who can be acquired on the cheap and have a chance to change the narrative around the two former Jayhawks. However, if we are living in a realistic-ish dream world the answer is probably Justice Winslow with the Heat linked to CP3. Winslow is the asset in return and from there match contracts. A Gilgesou-Alexander and Winslow backcourt is pretty appealing to me.
Noah Schulte:
A cornerstone. Yes, the Thunder have Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and a bazillion draft picks, but there’s no guarantee they end up as title contenders at the end of this. For as good as he was last season, Shai won’t ever be an elite first option who can carry a team to the playoffs; at best, he’ll be a two- or three-time All-Star. It’s too early to tell where the picks they got from Houston and LA will end up – maybe they’re in the top-three; maybe they fall out of the lottery entirely. If the Thunder are going to build themselves into legit contenders in the mid-2020s, they need to start looking for the guy who can take them there right now. Because, as it stands, that guy ain’t here yet.
Aidan E:
I wouldn’t say that there is one specific player Presti should target because good young players simply don’t become available. However, there are a few role players I would like to see Presti target if they became available in discussions. That list includes De’Andre Bembry, Frank Ntilikina, Malik Beasley, Zach Collins, Juancho Hernangomez, and Jerome Robinson, just to name a few.
Matthew Hallet:
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Targeting a young stretch four would be my goal. Rodions Kurucs is a player not afraid of the hard work but can also step outside to shoot the 3-ball. He is now in his second year and fits the timeline perfectly for this Thunder organization.
Tyler Barger:
Mo Bamba. Mo Bamba has Defensive Player of the Year potential.
Make sure to follow each of the Thunderous Intentions writing team on their personal Twitter accounts:
- Tamberlyn Richardson: @TTOTambz
- Rylan Stiles – @Rylan_Stiles
- Noah Schulte – @noahthepio
- Kevon Stewart: @KJStewart93
- Aidan E: @itsinfernoo
- Matthew Hallet: @mervsports78
- Tyler Barger: @weekendatbrodys
The roundtable series will continue with segments coming soon on Russell Westbrook, NBA awards, OKC Thunder competitors, and specific dives into this year’s club.
Next. How Thunder backcourt duo CP3 and SGA can thrive together. dark
Let us know what your thoughts are in the comments section and share your insights on who Sam Presti should be looking at in the trade market.